Since the beginning of 2025, the canton of Vaud has applied new rules regarding donation taxes (gifts of money made during one's lifetime) and inheritance taxes (inheritances after a death). These changes were decided by the Vaud Grand Council in December 2024 and are now official.

More Generous Gifts, No Taxes

One of the major changes concerns donations to children. Previously, a parent could give up to 50,000 CHF per year to a child without paying tax. Now, this amount has increased to 300,000 CHF per parent per year.
In practice, a child can now receive up to 600,000 CHF per year from both parents, with no tax to pay.

For other individuals (such as friends or distant relatives), the limit remains set at 10,000 CHF per year without tax.

Inheritance: More Money Transferred Without Tax

Another good news: the tax exemption on inheritances has also been increased. Children and grandchildren can now receive up to 1,000,000 CHF per inheritance without paying tax. Previously, the limit was only 250,000 CHF.

Note: Previous Donations Are Taken Into Account 

Now, when someone inherits, the tax authorities will also check if the person has received significant gifts from the deceased in the past. These gifts will be added to calculate the correct tax rate to apply. This prevents people from avoiding tax by giving large sums before they die.

Conclusion

These new rules are good news for families in Vaud: they allow more money to be passed on to loved ones without paying taxes. However, it is important to plan donations and inheritances carefully, as previous donations can influence the final tax.

About Cerise Immobilier Gérance et Courtage, Real Estate Agency in Villars-sur-Ollon

Cerise Immobilier Gérance et Courtage is a real estate agency located in Villars-sur-Ollon in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It offers services in sales, purchases, rentals, property management, property appraisals, and fiscal and legal advice. Our area of operation covers the Vaud Chablais, including the municipalities of Ollon, Gryon, Bex, Aigle, Les Diablerets, Chessel, Leysin, Lavey, Noville, Roche, Yvorne, and Villeneuve.